The Panama Canal opened to world commerce on August 15, 1914, represented the realization of a heroic dream of over 400 years.The 50 miles across the isthmus were among the hardest ever won by human ingenuity. Some interesting facts: A ship traveling from New York to San Francisco can save 7'872 miles using the Panama Canal instead of going around South America. Source: IGNTG - Instituto Geográfico Nacional "Tommy Guardia"